Chipper Jones named honorary race official for DAYTONA 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2018) - Former Atlanta Braves great and new Baseball Hall of Fame member Chipper Jones will serve as an Honorary Race Official for the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Radio), the opening race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.

Jones, a native of nearby Pierson, Florida, was voted into the hall on Jan. 24, in his first year of eligibility. Considering his credentials, that was not surprising. During his 19-year career (1993-2012) - all with Atlanta - he posted a .303 career batting average, 468 home runs and 1,623 RBI. He was an eight-time All-Star and the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1999. He led the Braves to three World Series appearances, winning the series in 1995. Jones rejoined the Braves' organization in 2015 as special assistant to baseball operations.

As part of his Honorary Race Official duties, Jones will be introduced at the drivers' meeting, participate in pre-race ceremonies, ride in one of the parade cars and take part in question-and-answer sessions in fan hospitality areas and the UNOH Fanzone.

"We're going to have one of the legendary stars of the 'National Pastime' join us for 'The Great American Race,'" said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. "Chipper Jones was an obvious choice for the hall of fame this year. He's also a local hero. We're thrilled to welcome him back home for the DAYTONA 500."

Tickets for the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 and other Speedweeks events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway's mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.